Over the past three installments, (part 1, part 2, part 3), we’ve discussed all the different aspects of the Golden Hoard edition of the Sibly Clavis. Now would I recommend it, especially with the Weiser Peterson-edited edition also released that might ? That’s an excellent question, especially as the retail price for both works is comparable.
Once again, I’ll reiterate my point about the binding – I hope the examples I’ve seen are anomalies. Beyond that…
Completists: You’re going to buy both anyway.
People interested in exploring the Key of Solomon tradition: It depends on what aspects you’re interested in, I suppose. Both of them are nineteenth-century examples created for a collector’s market, so you’re not going to get into any antecedents of the tradition. If you really want to examine all of the different aspects of the Key, you should have both texts – and both introductions – handy.
People interested in art and magic: Definitely the Golden Hoard edition.
People who want a greater amount of magical material: Golden Hoard again.
People interested in reading about nineteenth-century occultism: Both, as one may cover the gaps in the other.
People interested in magical diagrams: It may surprise you, but sometimes people interested in practicing magic read this blog. For those interested in practical applications, you’ll probably want the Weiser edition, with its easier-to-draw illustrations.
If you fall into multiple categories, I think you’ll have to make a choice. Or purchase both.
I hope this has helped. I’ve got a few other grimoires to write about, but my read of the Picatrix is going slowly at the moment. I think I may dip into The Key of Necromancy from Enodia Press next.
Leave a Reply